When you choose to manage your own medical treatment, the responsibility can feel overwhelming. There are so many therapies to try. Many treatments are expensive. Testing for food allergies is not expensive, but it can be complicated and time consuming. How do you decide which treatment is right for you to try?

You have an inner voice of wisdom that knows what is best for you. But when you are overwhelmed by too many treatment choices, it is difficult to hear your inner voice.
Learning how to quiet your mind allows you to contact your intuitive self when you are making difficult decisions. When you are quiet and centered, you are able to ask "What should I do next?" and you are able to hear the answer.

An effective and satisfying method for reaching this state of inner calm is a breathing meditation.

Breathing meditation

Begin by sitting in a comfortable position with your legs uncrossed and your back straight. This is the recommended position, but it is acceptable to lie down if you have problems sitting up.

Decide how much time you want to spend meditating and arrange for a time when there will be no distractions. 15 to 20 minutes is ideal, but even a few minutes will help if that is all the time you have.

Close your eyes and become aware of your breathing. Be aware of your physical sensations as you breathe.
Notice what you feel when you breathe in.
Notice how it feels as you breathe out.

Your body breathes automatically without any control by you.
Do not try to change or control anything. Just continue observing your breath.

Most people quickly discover the mind's tendency to wander. This is normal. Every time you notice that your mind has wandered, gently return your attention to your breath.

This is the entire practice. It is very simple, but its effect is powerful.
There is no special equipment. All you need is a quiet time and space where you can sit uninterrupted for 15 minutes.

Your mind tends to wander. For beginners this is the biggest challenge: accepting the need to continually return your focus to your breath.

For help with this challenge, purchase a guided meditation tape or CD. This helps you structure the meditation experience with regular reminders to return attention to your breathing.
Ellen Gordon, the author of this website, has created a guided breathing meditation tape and CD that will support your meditation practice.
Click here for more information.